Tour Description: Guided

Two countries, Holland and Belgium, united in one route. Combining the highlights of the Netherlands' Golden Age and the heydays of the Flemish trade cities in the Middle Ages on this bicycle tour.

Variety is the keyword in this tour. Cycling and sailing you will cross different landscapes such as the green Dutch polder landscape with water aplenty and quiet roads and villages, the picturesque countryside between the Flemish cities and of course the rich history of the old city-centers of Amsterdam, Antwerp (city of the painter Rubens), Ghent and Bruges. Also, the large rivers in this part of the Netherlands and Belgium are a prominent feature along the route.

Holland's Golden Age in the 17th century and the hey-day of the Flemish trade cities in the Middle Ages united in one route. Notice the big difference between the green polder landscape abounding in water, with its tranquil roads and villages and the old world of islands in Zeeland with its pastures, creeks, winding dikes and dams.

On top of that the often so picturesque Flemish countryside between the Belgian cities of Ghent and Bruges. The great rivers are a prominent feature in this part of the Netherlands and Belgium. Of course you will get to know our own, Dutch Wonder of the World: the Delta Project, evidence of the eternal battle against the waters of the sea.

Highlights: Guided

Rubens House in Antwerpen

Ghent / Bruges

Dutch Brooklyn

Gems of Holland and Flanders

Bruges - Antwerp - Amsterdam by Bike and Boat

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Bruges - Aalterbrug - Ghent (18 miles-30 km) When you arrive on board the ship you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew and of course your fellow passengers.

At 2 p.m. you will start off the city walls of Bruges for a trip to Ghent. You will mostly be following the canal between Bruges and Ghent to Aalterbrug, which offers a beautiful, peaceful cycle route with an unexpected variety of experiences. After dinner you will have enough time to discover the old and characteristic city centre.

Ghent is a big city with some 250,000 inhabitants. The name is said to have originated from the Celtic Ganda, meaning 'mouth, confluence'. Indeed, the rivers Leie and Schelde flow together in the centre of the town. In 630 the Holy Amandus founded St Baaf's Abbey. In the Middle Ages Ghent became one of the most influential cities of Europe (approx. 56,000 inhabitants in 1350), due to the cloth industry. From the 14th to the 16th centuries there were many conflicts with the lords of Flanders as well as within the city itself.

Economic decline set in, in 1584 when the town was captured by the Spaniards during the rebellion of the Netherlands against King Philips II and lasted for several centuries. The revival only came in the 19th century, when Ghent developed into an industrial town - and became a socialist stronghold at the same time. The city has many well-preserved guild's and patricians' houses as well as old warehouses, Gravensteen (a mediaeval castle), St Nicholas Church (with 13th century foundations), St Baaf's Cathedral (14th century, with the famous painting 'De Aanbidding van het Lam', 'The Mystic Lamb' by the Van Eijck brothers) and the 'Belfort' (Belfry;14th century).

The city of Ghent is proud of its rich past, but is much more than just a museum town. This lively city with its numerous squares and cosy pubs is an excellent mixture of mediaeval edifices, stylish shopping streets, splendid mansions, working-class quarters from the beginning of the 20th century which now often house students and busy little squares where people eat out till the wee hours on a sultry summer night. Overnight in Ghent

Day 2 Ghent - St. Amands (25 miles-60 km) Early Sunday morning you will cycle through the old centre of Ghent. After coffee you will leave for a nice day along one of the most beautiful rivers of Europe: the Schelde.

In Wetteren we will have a break in a real Flemish ‘staminee’ and in Berlare you will have a Belgian beer with your lunch. We will cycle through Dendermonde, the city of the legend of the Beiaart, where you will have a look at the city hall. You will spend the night near the small, quiet village of St. Amands.Overnight in St. Amands

Day 3: St. Amands – Antwerpen (21 miles-35 km) Along the Schelde we will cycle through the nature reserve Schausselbroek. The area has a large variety of landscape and interesting fauna.

In Steendorp we will board the barge, that will take us to the historical centre of Antwerp. We will visit the town. Worth a visit are: the Onze-Lievevrouwenkerk and the Rubenshuis. In the Willemsdok, near the Museum for Modern Art (Museum Aan de Stroom) you will find the barge. Overnight in Antwerpen

Day 4: Antwerpen – Willemstad (31 miles-50 km) After breakfast you will visit by bike the famous Cogels-Osybuurt with monumental houses in Art-Deco, Art Nouveau en Jugendstil.

Around noon you will board the barge and sail through the impressive harbors of Antwerp and further to the Zandkreekdam in the Netherlands.

You will make a beautiful tour through the forests of the Wouwse plantage to Tholen, an old fishing village.

You will sail to Willemstad, an old fortified town, near the Volkeraksluizen (locks) at the Haringvliet, the busiest locks of Europe. Overnight in Willemstad

Day 5: Willemstad – Gorinchem (12-31 miles/ 20-50 km)The barge leaves early so you can make a beautiful tour from Werkendam through the land of Heusden and Altena. You will follow the Bergse Maas to the fortified town of Heusden.

Loevestein Castle is situated in a unique location where the river Meuse and Waal join together and the provinces of Gelderland, Brabant and South Holland meet. It was here, in this typically Dutch river landscape, that the knight Dirc Loef van Horne built his castle in 1360. His choice, however, was not determined by the area's outstanding beauty, but by its strategic position. It was the ideal location to defend and from which to levy tolls, and that is exactly what happened.

Loevestein Castle subsequently served as a military stronghold, as the state prison from which Hugo Grotius escaped in a book chest, and as part of the Dutch Waterline. Thanks to its military past, the area surrounding Loevestein Castle is one of the least spoilt cultural landscapes in the Netherlands and a unique spot where nature and culture unite as one.

You will visit the picturesque town of Woudrichem and take the ferry to Gorinchem where the barge will be waiting for you. Overnight in Gorinchem

Day 6: Gorinchem – Vianen – Utrecht (31 miles-50 km) From Gorinchem you will follow the meandering river the Linge, through the Alblasserwaard to Leerdam, famous for its glass.

You will visit a glaze company. You will continue your tour to Culemborg, a peaceful town situated at the Lek and you will follow the river to Vianen.

You will sail to Utrecht. After dinner you can take a bus to the old centre of Utrecht. Overnight in Utrecht

Day 7: Utrecht – Amsterdam (25 miles-40 km)During breakfast you will sail to Breukelen from where you will cycle to Amsterdam along the two most beautiful rivers of Holland, the Vecht and the Amstel.

Along the route you will find the magnificent country houses and mansions from the 18th century with their splendid, well-kept gardens. After dinner you have the option to take a canal cruise through the canals of Amsterdam. Overnight in Amsterdam

Zwaan (Comfort Plus)Departures: May 16, 30; Jun 13, 27; July 11, 25; Aug 8, 2015The Zwaan boat can hold 14-28 people, and has 7 cabins all with a private shower and toilet. The boat has wifi, and 220 voltage.

Details about the 7 cabins:

2 family-style cabins, 2- 3 people with double bed + single bed

2 friends-style cabins, 2- 3 people with 3 single beds (one bunk)

2 twins-style cabins, 2 people with two separate beds

1 cabin, for 2 people with double bed

Wending (Comfort) Jun 6, Aug 29, Sep 26, 2015This boat is a former freight barge that started a new life in the early nineties as a luxury passenger motor barge. Since then The Wending is a familiar fixture on several routes in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the winter of 2001/2002 The Wending was completely redecorated to accommodate 26 overnight passengers. The boat has a roomy and cosy salon, equipped with a complete music installation and TV. After a strenuous bike ride it is a great place to relax.

The "comfort" barge has 8 double and 4 triple cabins.

All cabins are equipped with:

2 beds, side by side (triple cabin also has one bed above the other 2)

Private bathroom

Central heating

Anna Antal (Standard Plus/Comfort)Departures: May 16; Jul 4, 18, Aug 1, 15; Oct 3, 2015The Anna Antal is a former barge which was converted into a luxury motor passenger ship in the winter of 1994-95. The Anna Antal is pleasant for a day’s stay and it has a cozy bar.

The Anna Antal has 9 cabins, each equipped with:

5 2-bed cabins with low beds (Comfort)

4 2-bed cabins with bunk beds (Standard Plus)

Private shower, washbasin, toilet

Central heating

Our motorized passenger vessels, about 35-45 meters in length, are former river vessels especially converted for this kind of holiday. The barges all comply with the strict safety regulations laid down by the Dutch Shipping Inspection Authorities. On board you find a cozy dining room, a sun deck/a deck for the bicycles. All cabins are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower and toilet, 220 Voltage and central heating. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.

Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.

Gems of Holland and Flanders

Bruges - Antwerp - Amsterdam by Bike and Boat

Bike Rentals: Guided

Bikes available to be rented (reserved in advance at the time of booking) include:

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

Pannier bag

Lock

Water bottle

Repair kit (when cycling self-guided)

Pedals:The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Seats:If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it is a universal seat post.

Helmets: Helmets can be rented through the tour company for 10 Euros per week. They must be ordered with booking, and may NOT be rented on board. A helmet is required for children in the Netherlands (helmets are included with renting of children's equipment, but not for adults). We do recommend bringing your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons.

Bike Insurance:You can purchase bike insurance with your booking, if you would like. It costs 15 Euros for a hybrid touring bike, and 40 Euros for a electrically assisted bike.

More information about the electrically assisted bikeYour electrically assisted bike has 24 gears, a detachable lithium-Ion battery, hand brakes, pannier bags, a good lock, water bottle and you can get a repair kit. We draw your attention to the fact that you will be held responsible for damage to or theft of the bike, as long as the bike is not on board. (the E-bike has a value of more than € 2000). Never leave it unattended. Always lock it and fasten it to a fixed object, and don’t forget to remove the information panel from your steering wheel. You can insure this bike with Cycletours for € 40,- per bicycle! If you didn't arrange cycle insurance when booking you can do this on board (the first day). Payment in cash is required.

Weather: Guided

Weatherspark.com offers information on average weather conditions at most destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box, and select "Averages," and you'll find a range of information such as average high and low temperatures, precipitation, cloudy days, humidity and wind speed/direction. Of course, if your tour is coming up in the next week, you can also select "Forecast" to get the most current information on upcoming conditions.

More about Belgium: Guided

Belgium is a fascinating place to visit with its diversity of culture and language. Distinct regions have emerged that reflect the language of their respective border countries. It’s an unusual experience to travel within one small country and witness the diverse influences of the French, Germans, and Dutch across Belgium.

Brussels houses some of the most important museums, art galleries, and collections in the world. World-class shopping and exciting nightlife are also attractions of Brussels. Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges is popular for its charming canals and intact medieval architecture. Outside of its cities, Belgium boasts pastoral landscapes crossed by rivers and canals leading to the sea. The dune-lined Belgian coast is home to quaint, historic port towns with a cozy atmosphere and cobblestone streets.

As the headquarters of many international organizations like NATO and the EU, Belgium is a significant player in international affairs. Its significant international population has led to a diverse cuisine scene. It’s most famous for its waffles, chocolate, and beer, but the paper cones of fries and (optional) mayonnaise sold by street vendors are always a favorite for visitors.

Tour Company Background: Cycletours Holidays: Guided

Cycletours Holidays originated in 1987 as a seperate division, specializing in Bike & Barge Holidays, especially designed for the overseas tourist wanting to discover Holland. Cycletours Holidays was the first company to offer trips such as these, combining regular cycling tours with overnight stays on a ship, serving as hotel and luggage transport all-in-one!

Cycletours Holiday's staff has more then 15 year's experience with Bike and Barge Holidays. Their excellent service is a strength, and they offer good quality holidays for a reasonable price. They hope to welcome you soon on one of their Bike & Barge or Bed & Bike Holidays!

Gems of Holland and Flanders

Bruges - Antwerp - Amsterdam by Bike and Boat

Terms and Conditions: Cycletours Holidays: Guided

Charge for ChangesIf after booking a trip, you wish to make changes, bear in mind that you can be billed a surcharge to cover the costs of changes, This amounts to € 14,-. According to the ANVR terms and conditions, changes can generally be made up to 28 days prior to the departure date.

Cancellation conditions according to BikeToursDirect

Until 60 days before day of departure: € 65

59-45 days before the day of departure: € 135

44-30 days before the day of departure: € 270

29 days before the day of departure- no show: 100% of the fare(Different conditions apply to group reservations/chartering a ship)

The conditions of all tours act on the Dutch jurisdiction. Any liability of the tour operator (the transporter) is limited to the amounts of the concerned insurance-company(s) of the tour operator / the transporter is (are) willing to pay, taken into account the maximum overages. The parties agree that the Dutch law applies to this agreement. Any conflicts arising out of this contract will be brought solely before a competent judge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Cycle Tours Holland Travel Agreement A travel agreement is reached with the traveler's acceptance of our offer. Acceptance can take place either directly through us or via the intermediary service of a booking office. As soon as you make a reservation, your accommodations will be arranged. When these arrangements have been settled, you'll receive word from us and thereupon, the invoice will be sent.

A confirmation of your booking together with the invoice will be sent within 72 hours. Travel documents will be sent via e-mail 3 weeks prior to departure. When booking more than 2 months before departure, payment in terms is possible. Deposit is 15% of the total amount. Second payment needs to be done at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

Travel ConditionsCycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.

Travel ConditionsCycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.

Cancellation of the tourCycletours Holland reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure. Cycletours Holidays will offer an adequate alternative in case of such cancellation.